'Examiner' at 180 — 1990-1999: Omagh bomb dashed peace hopes

The '90s started off on a feverish high for Ireland with the World Cup in Italy but the decade ended in misery when the real IRA killed 30 people in Omagh, Co Tyrone

July 1990: Members of the Republic of Ireland squad, including manager Jack Charlton, Frank Stapleton and John Byrne, are cheered by supporters on their arrival home after their participation in the 1990 FIFA World Cup Finals in Italy. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

The '90s started off in party mode — with Big Jack's Green Army putting them under pressure during Italia '90.

With the country at fever pitch, Ireland made the World Cup quarter-finals — our best ever finish — before Toto Schillaci brought it all to an end after a heroic tournament for the Irish.